Lifting the Fog on Cloud Services

The cloud is a trending topic in technology. Everywhere you go, you’re hearing about the cloud, saving things to the cloud, backing up to the cloud. Have you ever stopped to think, what is the cloud? Explaining what the cloud is can get very complex very quickly. The overall concept, however, is quite simple.

Think of your computer as your house. In there, you house personal items and things that are important to you. As time goes on, your house fills up, and you start to feel cramped. You get rid of what you can, but there are still things you can’t just throw away, so what do you do? You purchase a storage unit and move those items there. Once you move in, you are given a lock and several copies of the key. You can keep the copies in different locations for your own convenience, such as keeping one on your key ring and one in a lock box. You may also choose to give the key to a trusted family member or friend so that he or she has access to your things in the storage unit.

In this scenario, the storage unit is the cloud: it is an external place to store your precious files and items. Instead of being in a storage warehouse, though, the location of the cloud is usually an off-site data server. Anything put in your cloud can be accessed anywhere you have connection and capability to do so, from your iPad during a business trip to your laptop at home to your cell phone while waiting in line at the grocery store. Your cloud files can also be shared with those you choose to share them with and password protected.

With this description, clouds may seem to be more common than you think, and you’re right. The cloud concept is not something new; calling it a cloud is. Any email server, such as Gmail or Outlook, social media site, or online store is considered a cloud. These sites store your information, including credit card numbers, photos, documents, and personal preferences in order to ease the process for you.

In total, cloud services are not as complicated as they seem. They are designed to make the best use of your time, and can be extremely beneficial to your business.

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All comprehensive system replacement projects experience issues, but it’s the response of the technology partner that determines whether or not the project is successful. Heart went to great lengths to preserve a seamless end user experience. Heart ensured the upgrade was carried out in a complete, timely, and non-disruptive manner.

Matt BradleyNetwork ManagerKeystone Steel and Wire Co.

I am very satisfied we chose Heart Technologies for our telephony needs. They have really improved our communications and worked with us to improve our organization.

Tom BrimberryCity AdministratorCity of East Peoria

I am very satisfied we chose Heart Technologies for our telephony and networking needs. Their staff is very personable and they care about you.

Connie ArmstrongCoordinator/SupervisorWoodford County 9-1-1

When bringing Heart on board, they came in, took a look at our whole operation, and made recommendations of what they thought would work best for us. They actually came up with solutions that we hadn’t even though of yet, which really took us to the next level.

Michael PeiferExecutive DirectorLifeLine Pilots

It was a real pleasure working with you guys. Everyone that came here was a true professional. I really enjoyed working with the guys that did the installation. They came prepared every day to work hard. I never had to talk to any of them. They followed all of our policies to the tee. It was truly a pleasure.

Bob EricksonMaintenance/Engineering ManagerContinental Mills

Heart Electronics was instrumental in assessing our existing phone and security system, and making recommendations to save the Elmwood District money. From beginning to end, the customer service was excellent.